WhatsApp to withdraw support for Nokia and Blackberry devices by end of 2016

As we start this new month, we’re afraid to say that for those that are using WhatsApp on BlackBerry 10, Nokia S40, Nokia Symbian S60, Android 2.1 and Android 2.2, Windows Phone 7.1, WhatsApp plans to withdraw their support for the mentioned devices by the end of 2016. Last month (Feb 26), the social media company celebrated one billion people who are using the messaging app, and earlier this week as they celebrate their seventh birthday, they also plan on making some changes on their platform, as they also plan on putting an even greater emphasis on security features in the coming months.

According to the messaging app, back in 2009 when WhatsApp had just started, 70% of smartphones sold at that time had their operating systems offered by Blackberry and Nokia, and as for today, 99.5% of smartphones are running on Google, Apple and Microsoft operating systems.

WhatsApp wants to focus their efforts on the mobile platforms that huge majority of people are using. Thus, by the end of 2016, if you are among one of these affected mobile devices, you’re recommended to upgrade to the newer versions of Android, Window Phones, iPhones if you want to continue using the messaging platform.

“While these mobile devices have been an important part of our story, they don’t offer the kind of capabilities we need to expand our app’s features in the future.” Reported in a WhatsApp blog

WhatsApp adds saying, it was a tough decision for them to make, but the right one in order to give people better ways to keep in touch with friends, family, and loved ones using WhatsApp.